(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Singapore’s Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Pentagon on 7 December 2023 (Singapore time).
During the meeting, Dr Ng and Secretary Austin reaffirmed the excellent bilateral defence relationship and the mutually beneficial partnership between Singapore and the US, according to a statement releases by the republic Ministry of Defence today.
They discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between both defence establishments, noting the recent signing of the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) by Permanent Secretary (Defence Development), Mr. Melvyn Ong, and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. William A. LaPlante.
The SOSA allows both countries to request for priority delivery of critical and urgent industrial resources to meet defence needs, to better address unanticipated supply chain disruptions.
Dr Ng expressed appreciation for the US’ support for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)’s training and technology requirements, including the basing of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) training detachments in the US as well as the ongoing acquisition of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
Secretary Austin conveyed his appreciation for Singapore’s consistent support for the US’ military presence in and engagement of the Asia-Pacific. Dr Ng and Secretary Austin also discussed geopolitical developments and regional security issues.
The defence establishments of Singapore and the US interact regularly through military-to-military exchanges, training, cross-attendance of courses, and defence technology cooperation.
In 2019, both countries renewed the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding United States Use of Facilities in Singapore and signed an MOU concerning the establishment of an RSAF Fighter Training Detachment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
In 2021, both sides also announced the US Department of Defense’s selection, in consultation with the Singapore Ministry of Defence, of Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, as the preferred location to host the RSAF’s future F-35B fighter aircraft, as well as its F-16 fighter training detachment which will be relocated from Luke Air Force Base.
In August 2021, both countries also signed an MOU on cooperation in cyberspace to institutionalise cyber defence cooperation between the two establishments.
Dr Ng is in the US from 5 to 7 December (Singapore Time). Yesterday, Dr Ng met with House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers. Dr Ng also met with House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan earlier today, and will speak at the Opening Reception of the Aspen Security Forum: DC Edition later today. — DSA
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